“One-pot Easy Chicken and Black Bean Chili made with simple ingredients. A hearty, delicious recipe perfect for busy weeknight dinners.”
Why You’ll Love This Easy Chicken and Black Bean Chili Recipe
This Easy Chicken and Black Bean Chili Recipe is quick, hearty, and adaptable for busy nights.
Ready in just 30 minutes, it works on the stovetop, slow cooker, or Instant Pot. With tender chicken, black beans, and smoky spices, it’s lighter than beef chili but still filling. Using pantry staples, it’s a budget-friendly weeknight dinner that also doubles as a make-ahead meal prep option.
Ingredients (step by step)
| Ingredient | Amount / Notes |
|---|---|
| Shredded or Rotisserie Chicken | 2 cups, cooked (saves time and adds flavor) |
| Black Beans | 2 cans (15 oz each), drained and rinsed |
| Fire-Roasted Tomatoes | 1 can (14.5 oz), adds depth and slight smokiness |
| Green Chiles | 1 small can (4 oz), mild or hot depending on preference |
| Onion | 1 medium, diced |
| Garlic | 3 cloves, minced |
| Spices | 2 tbsp chili powder, 1 tsp cumin, ½ tsp oregano |
| Corn or Bell Pepper (opt.) | 1 cup, fresh or frozen, for added texture |
| Lime Juice | 1 tbsp, stirred in before serving |
| Toppings | Avocado, cilantro, shredded cheese, or sour cream to finish |
Exact Ingredient Measurements
| Ingredient | Measurement / Notes |
|---|---|
| Shredded Chicken | 2 cups, cooked |
| Black Beans | 2 cans (15 oz each), drained & rinsed |
| Fire-Roasted Tomatoes | 1 can (14.5 oz) |
| Green Chiles | 1 small can (4 oz) |
| Onion | 1 medium, diced |
| Garlic | 3 cloves, minced |
| Chili Powder | 2 tbsp |
| Cumin | 1 tsp |
| Oregano | ½ tsp |
| Lime Juice | 1 tbsp, added before serving |
| Toppings | Avocado, cilantro, shredded cheese, or sour cream |
Stovetop Method – 30 Minute Chili
To make this Easy Chicken and Black Bean Chili Recipe on the stovetop, heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté onion and garlic until fragrant, then stir in chili powder, cumin, and oregano to release flavor.
Add black beans, fire-roasted tomatoes, green chiles, and broth, bringing to a simmer. Stir in shredded or rotisserie chicken and let cook 20 minutes so flavors blend. Finish with lime juice, then adjust seasoning. Serve hot with avocado, cilantro, cheese, or tortilla chips.
Slow Cooker Chicken and Black Bean Chili
For an easy hands-off option, make this Easy Chicken and Black Bean Chili Recipe in the slow cooker. Combine beans, tomatoes, chiles, onion, garlic, spices, and broth in the crockpot. Add chicken—raw (to shred later) or pre-cooked
. Cook on low for 4–6 hours or high for 2–3. Before serving, shred chicken if needed and stir back in. Top with avocado, cilantro, or cheese for a cozy, freezer-friendly meal prep chili.
Instant Pot Chicken and Black Bean Chili
The Instant Pot makes this Easy Chicken and Black Bean Chili Recipe quick and flavorful. Sauté onion and garlic, then add spices, beans, tomatoes, chiles, broth, and chicken.
Cook on high pressure for 10 minutes, quick release, then shred chicken if needed. Stir back in and finish with lime juice. Serve with avocado, cheese, or tortilla chips for a fast weeknight meal.
Toppings & Serving Ideas
This Easy Chicken and Black Bean Chili Recipe shines with toppings. Add shredded cheese, avocado, cilantro, or sour cream for creaminess. Crushed tortilla chips or scallions add crunch. Serve with cornbread, rice, or baked potatoes for a complete, cozy dinner.
Make-Ahead, Storage & Freezing Tips
This Easy Chicken and Black Bean Chili Recipe is perfect for meal prep. Store leftovers in the fridge up to 4 days or freeze for 3 months. For best results, freeze without dairy toppings.
Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave, then add fresh garnishes before serving.
Variations on Chicken and Black Bean Chili
This Easy Chicken and Black Bean Chili Recipe is endlessly adaptable. For a creamy twist, try a white chicken chili with black beans, adding cream cheese, ranch, and green chiles.
For smoky heat, stir in chipotle peppers and corn. To keep it lighter, add extra vegetables and skip dairy. Or make a pantry-friendly one-pot chili using canned beans, fire-roasted tomatoes, and rotisserie chicken. Each variation keeps the flavor bold and satisfying.
FAQs – Easy Chicken and Black Bean Chili Recipe
Q1: Can I use raw chicken instead of cooked?
Yes. Place raw chicken breasts or thighs in the pot; cook fully, shred, and stir back in.
Q2: Can I swap the beans?
Absolutely—pinto or kidney beans work just as well.
Q3: How do I thicken chili without tomato paste?
Mash beans or simmer uncovered.
Q4: Is chicken chili healthier than beef chili?
Yes, it’s leaner with less fat but still high in protein and fiber.
Q5: Can I freeze this recipe?
Yes, freeze up to 3 months in airtight containers for easy meal prep.
Hi, I’m Sidra Asif, the heart behind Chicken Bites. Cooking has been my lifelong passion, sparked by the magical meals I watched my mother create in our family kitchen. Over the years, I’ve explored diverse cuisines, earned a diploma in Culinary Arts, and refined my skills in professional kitchens—learning the art of flavor pairing, presentation, and creativity.
Through Chicken Bites, I share my favorite recipes, cooking tips, and culinary adventures to inspire home cooks to turn everyday ingredients into extraordinary meals. Join me on this flavorful journey where tradition meets innovation, and every dish is made with love! 🍗✨
